Fraudsters often initiate contact through phone calls, pretending to be law enforcement officers or building fake romantic relationships online. They create a sense of urgency, claiming that victims owe fines or face legal trouble. In romance scams, they manipulate victims emotionally, convincing them to send money as part of their “relationship.”

Once trust is gained, scammers instruct victims to transfer money through Bitcoin ATMs. These machines, common in convenience stores and gas stations, allow quick and anonymous transfers. The funds are typically sent overseas, making recovery nearly impossible.